Delta commits $1.3 billion in an effort to become world's first carbon neutral airline

With sustainability being at the forefront of many travellers’ minds, several companies within the industry are making strides to reduce their carbon footprint and implement more environmentally-friendly initiatives.

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In a release on Friday, Delta Air Lines said it has committed $1 billion ($1.3 billion CAD) over the next decade “on its journey to mitigate all emissions from its global business going forward.”

 

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A post shared by Delta Air Lines (@delta) on Feb 3, 2020 at 6:00am PST

With this money, the company said it will invest in promoting innovation across the board concerning areas such as the diminishment of carbon emissions, advancing clean air travel technology, and creating new initiatives to alleviate emissions.

“There is no substitute for the power that travel has to connect people, which our world needs today more than ever before. As we connect customers around the globe, it is our responsibility to deliver on our promise to bring people together and ensure the utmost care for our environment,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian in a statement. “The time is now to accelerate our investments and establish an ambitious commitment that the entire Delta team will deliver.”

 

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According to the release, the airline’s carbon footprint is its most significant environmental influence, with 98% of emissions coming from its aircraft.

Delta plans to reduce its carbon footprint through company-wide efforts that will limit its usage of jet fuel.

It also plans on investing in projects and technologies that serve to eliminate carbon emission pollution from the atmosphere

The airline plans on extending beyond their already-existing commitments while also investing in other carbon removal activities such as wetland restoration, forestry, and grassland conservation.

 

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Delta will also continue to build out its affiliations with employees, global partners, suppliers, customers and other business relationships to improve carbon reduction and removal targets while maximizing their global impact.

However, their carbon strategy will incorporate more than just emissions from their aircraft. It will span across the entire business both on and off the ground.

They will adhere strictly to their own set of Environmental Sustainability Principles when guiding their efforts towards carbon neutrality and increased sustainability, which include action, innovation, collaboration, evolution, and transparency.

 

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“When customers choose to fly Delta, they should feel they’re making a statement about taking care of our planet,” Bastian continued.

“Our commitment to carbon neutrality means flying with Delta represents far more than a great travel experience – it’s about joining arms to create a better world.”